Never before in history has our collective sense of smell been so important. According to researchers, the Covid-19 pandemic has altered many of our scent receptors.
We’re not the only ones, either.
Experts say we’ve been giving our beloved pets Covid, too. Cats in particular seem to get re-infected and shed the virus.
Have you noticed your pet acting sick lately? Have you seen signs like a dry nose? Wet noses are normal for pets, so a dry nose is unusual and a cause for concern. Do you need more details?
Read on to learn everything you need to know about your pet’s nose.
Animal Health 101: What Does a Wet Nose Mean?
If you recently noticed your cat or dog’s nose seems wet, then don’t feel alarmed. It’s normal for pets to have a slightly wet nose.
But, why?
Your dog’s sense of smell is somewhere between 10,000 and 100,000 times better than yours! One reason why is because their noses are wet, while ours are only wet inside.
Wet noses work better than dry ones to translate olfactory data.
Human brains are different. We focus more on visual cues, so we don’t need a wet nose.
Another reason your pet’s nose is wet is because it helps keep them cool. Dogs and cats don’t sweat, so this cooling mechanism is crucial.
What Does a Dry Nose Mean for Pet Health?
So, if a wet nose is good for your dog, then what does a dry nose mean for dog health? In most cases, a dry nose is not a good sign. It could mean your pet is sick, dehydrated, or has an infection.
How to Help a Senior Pet With Dry Nose
Is your senior pet struggling with a dry nose? If so, then it might make sense to consult with your vet to rule out any infections or illnesses.
If your pet gets a clean bill of health, then the dry nose could be a sign of aging. Consider using immune-boosting products like fish oil for pet health. These products can help your senior pet feel rejuvenated again.
Does the dry nose only seem to happen on hot days or when you’re out playing? If so, then dehydration could be the problem. Make sure you’re giving your pup plenty of water on days out.
If the day will be especially hot, then consider using our PawFriction kit. This padding can help protect your pup’s feet while also helping them keep cool.
Wet Noses Make for Healthy Senior Pets
Unless you’re a very observant pet parent, you may have never given much thought to a cat nose being wet or dry before. Now, though, you know how important that moisture is for your pet dog or cat.
In general, wet noses make for healthy pets. Dry noses are usually a sign of either illness, dehydration, or sometimes, aging.
If you notice your pet with a dry nose, there are steps you can take to make them more comfortable. On top of what’s mentioned above, our store’s stocked with senior-specific pet products.
Check it out now to find something special for your fur baby.